What is the estimated global population of Buddhists, and what percentage do they represent of the world's total population as of 2020?

As of 2020, Buddhism is practiced by approximately 320 million people worldwide, which represents about 4.1% of the global population. This data indicates the significant, though minority, presence of Buddhism on a global scale.

In which four countries is Buddhism recognized as the state religion?

Buddhism is the state religion in four countries: Cambodia, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. This designation highlights the religion's official status and cultural importance in these nations.

How is the global Buddhist population distributed between the Mahayana and Theravada branches, and where are these branches primarily located?

Mahayana is the largest branch, followed by around 53% of Buddhists, mainly centered in East Asia. Theravada, the second-largest branch, is followed by about 36% of Buddhists, primarily in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. This geographical distribution reflects the historical spread of different Buddhist traditions.

Which Buddhist branch is followed by approximately 53% of Buddhists, and where is it mainly centered?

The Mahayana branch of Buddhism is followed by approximately 53% of Buddhists and is mainly centered in East Asia. This region includes countries like China, Japan, and Korea, where Mahayana traditions are prominent.

Which Buddhist branch constitutes about 36% of the Buddhist population and is predominantly found in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka?

The Theravada branch of Buddhism accounts for about 36% of the global Buddhist population and is predominantly followed in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and also in Sri Lanka. Theravada Buddhism is known for its emphasis on the original teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the Pali Canon.

What is the status of the Navayana branch of Buddhism according to the text?

The Navayana branch of Buddhism is described as being scantily followed in India. This suggests it is a smaller or less widespread tradition compared to Mahayana and Theravada.

According to the Pew Research Center's 2010 data, what percentage of the population in Bhutan identified as Buddhist, and what was the estimated number of Buddhists?

In 2010, according to Pew Research Center data, 74.7% of Bhutan's population was Buddhist, with an estimated 540,000 Buddhists. This indicates that Buddhism is a dominant religion in Bhutan.

Which country listed in the Pew Research Center's 2010 data had the highest percentage of Buddhists, and what was that percentage?

According to the 2010 Pew Research Center data, Cambodia had the highest percentage of Buddhists, with 96.9% of its population identifying as such. This signifies Buddhism's deep integration into Cambodian society.

What was the estimated number of Buddhists in China according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

The 2010 Pew Research Center data estimated that there were 244,130,000 Buddhists in China. This figure represents a substantial portion of the global Buddhist population.

Based on the 2010 Pew Research Center data, what percentage of Japan's population was Buddhist, and how many Buddhists were there?

The 2010 Pew Research Center data indicated that 36.2% of Japan's population was Buddhist, with an estimated 45,820,000 individuals. This highlights Buddhism's significant presence in Japanese society.

According to the 2010 Pew Research Center data, what was the estimated Buddhist population in Thailand, and what percentage of its total population did this represent?

The 2010 Pew Research Center data estimated that 64,420,000 people in Thailand were Buddhist, representing 94.5% of the country's total population. This shows Buddhism as the predominant religion in Thailand.

What percentage of the world's Buddhist population resided in China according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

According to the 2010 Pew Research Center data, 50.1% of the world's Buddhist population resided in China. This underscores China's significant demographic weight within the global Buddhist community.

Which countries had less than 0.1% Buddhist population according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data? (Provide a few examples)

According to the 2010 Pew Research Center data, several countries had less than 0.1% Buddhist population. Examples include Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, and Armenia. This indicates a very small Buddhist minority in these nations.

What was the total estimated Buddhist population worldwide according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

The 2010 Pew Research Center data estimated the total Buddhist population worldwide to be 487,540,000. This figure represents 7.1% of the global population at that time.

How did the Buddhist population percentage in Sri Lanka compare to that in Nepal according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

In 2010, Sri Lanka had 69.3% of its population identifying as Buddhist, while Nepal had 10.3% Buddhist population, according to the Pew Research Center data. This shows a much higher prevalence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka compared to Nepal.

What was the estimated number of Buddhists in the United States according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

The 2010 Pew Research Center data estimated that there were 3,570,000 Buddhists in the United States. This represents 1.2% of the U.S. population at that time.

Which Southeast Asian countries are listed with high percentages of Buddhist populations in the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

According to the 2010 Pew Research Center data, Southeast Asian countries with high percentages of Buddhist populations include Thailand (94.5%), Cambodia (96.9%), and Myanmar (87.9%). These figures highlight Buddhism's significant cultural and religious influence in the region.

What was the estimated percentage of the world's Buddhist population that resided in the ten largest countries by Buddhist population, according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

According to the 2010 Pew Research Center data, 94.5% of the world's Buddhist population resided in the ten countries with the largest Buddhist populations. This indicates a significant concentration of Buddhists in these major countries.

What was the percentage of Buddhists in Australia according to the 2021 national census data provided in the "Other data" table?

According to the 2021 national census data in the "Other data" table, 2.4% of Australia's population identified as Buddhist, totaling 615,800 individuals. This shows a notable minority presence of Buddhism in Australia.

According to the "Other data" table, what percentage of the population in Cambodia identified as Buddhist in 2013?

The "Other data" table indicates that in 2013, 97.9% of Cambodia's population identified as Buddhist. This is a very high percentage, reinforcing Buddhism's central role in Cambodian society.

How many Buddhists were estimated in Canada based on the 2011 census data?

Based on the 2011 census data, Canada had an estimated 366,830 Buddhists. This represented 1.1% of the Canadian population at that time.

What was the estimated Buddhist population in China in 2023, according to studies cited in the "Other data" table?

The "Other data" table estimates that in 2023, China had 42,000,000 Buddhists, representing 4% of its population, based on studies. This figure differs from the 2010 Pew data, reflecting potential changes or different methodologies.

What percentage of Japan's population was Buddhist in 2018, according to the Agency for Cultural Affairs data?

In 2018, the Agency for Cultural Affairs data indicated that 67.0% of Japan's population was Buddhist. This aligns closely with other estimates for the country.

What was the estimated number of Buddhists in Myanmar based on the 2014 national census?

The 2014 national census data for Myanmar estimated the Buddhist population at 45,185,449, representing 89.8% of the country's total population. This highlights Buddhism's overwhelming majority in Myanmar.

According to the "Other data" table, what percentage of Singapore's population was Buddhist in 2020?

The "Other data" table shows that in 2020, 31.1% of Singapore's population was Buddhist, with an estimated 1,257,749 individuals. This indicates a significant Buddhist community within Singapore's multi-religious society.

How did the percentage of Buddhists in Thailand compare between the 2018 and 2015 data provided?

The data provided shows a slight increase in the Buddhist percentage in Thailand, from 93.5% in 2018 to 94.5% in 2015. Both figures indicate that Buddhism is the overwhelmingly dominant religion in Thailand.

What was the estimated number of Buddhists in India according to the 2011 national census data?

According to the 2011 national census, India had an estimated 8,442,972 Buddhists. This represented 0.7% of India's total population at that time.

Which country in the "Other data" table reported the highest percentage of Buddhists, and what was that percentage?

According to the "Other data" table, Cambodia reported the highest percentage of Buddhists at 97.9% in 2013. This signifies a near-universal adherence to Buddhism within the country.

What was the estimated number of Buddhists in Russia according to the 2016 data?

The 2016 data estimates that there were 866,500 Buddhists in Russia, representing 0.6% of the population. While a minority, this indicates a recognized Buddhist presence within Russia.

What percentage of the population in Saudi Arabia was estimated to be Buddhist in 2007?

In 2007, it was estimated that 1.5% of Saudi Arabia's population was Buddhist, with an estimated number of 414,016 individuals. This suggests a foreign worker population contributing to this figure, as Buddhism is not indigenous to Saudi Arabia.

What was the estimated number of Buddhists in Taiwan in 2006?

In 2006, Taiwan had an estimated 8,050,000 Buddhists, representing 35.0% of its population. This indicates a substantial Buddhist community in Taiwan.

What was the percentage of Buddhists in Vietnam according to the "Other data" table?

The "Other data" table suggests that up to 66.7% of Vietnam's population is Buddhist. This figure highlights Buddhism's significant influence in Vietnam.

What was the estimated Buddhist population in the Asia-Pacific region in 2010, and what percentage of that region's total population did it represent?

In 2010, the Asia-Pacific region had an estimated 481,290,000 Buddhists, which constituted 11.9% of the region's total population. This region holds the vast majority of the world's Buddhists.

How did the estimated Buddhist population in Europe compare to that in North America in 2010, both in absolute numbers and as a percentage of their respective regional populations?

In 2010, North America had an estimated 3,860,000 Buddhists (1.1% of the regional population), while Europe had an estimated 1,330,000 Buddhists (0.2% of the regional population). This shows a larger absolute number and a higher percentage of Buddhists in North America compared to Europe.

What was the estimated percentage of Buddhists in the Middle East-North Africa region in 2010?

In 2010, the Middle East-North Africa region had an estimated 500,000 Buddhists, representing 0.1% of its total population. This indicates a very small Buddhist presence in this region.

Which region had the lowest estimated percentage of Buddhists in 2010, and what was that percentage?

According to the 2010 regional data, Latin America-Caribbean had the lowest estimated percentage of Buddhists at less than 0.1%. This suggests a minimal Buddhist presence in this part of the world.

What was the total estimated world population and the total estimated Buddhist population in 2010, according to the regional data?

Based on the regional data for 2010, the total estimated world population was 6,895,890,000, with an estimated 487,540,000 Buddhists. This accounts for 7.1% of the global population.

List the top five countries with the largest estimated Buddhist populations according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data.

The top five countries with the largest estimated Buddhist populations in 2010, according to Pew Research Center data, were: China (244,130,000), Thailand (64,420,000), Japan (45,820,000), Myanmar (38,410,000), and Vietnam (14,910,000).

Which of the top ten countries by Buddhist population had the highest percentage of its national population identifying as Buddhist in 2010?

Among the top ten countries by Buddhist population in 2010, Cambodia had the highest percentage, with 96.9% of its national population identifying as Buddhist.

What was the estimated Buddhist population in India relative to the total population of India in 2010, as per the list of the ten largest Buddhist populations?

In 2010, India had an estimated 9,250,000 Buddhists, which represented 0.8% of its total population, according to the list of the ten largest Buddhist populations.

How did the percentage of Buddhists in Malaysia compare to that in South Korea in 2010, according to the list of the ten largest Buddhist populations?

In 2010, Malaysia had 19.8% of its population identifying as Buddhist, while South Korea had 22.9%, according to the list of the ten largest Buddhist populations. South Korea had a slightly higher percentage of Buddhists within its national population.

What was the estimated percentage of the world's Buddhist population that resided in the ten largest countries by Buddhist population, according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

According to the 2010 Pew Research Center data, 94.5% of the world's Buddhist population resided in the ten countries with the largest Buddhist populations. This indicates a significant concentration of Buddhists in these major countries.

What does the provided image caption indicate about the data presented?

The image caption specifies that the data shown illustrates the percentage of Buddhists by country, as compiled by the Pew Research Center in 2010. This clarifies the source and focus of the visual information.

What was the estimated Buddhist population in North America in 2010, and what percentage of the region's total population did this represent?

In 2010, North America had an estimated 3,860,000 Buddhists, which represented 1.1% of the region's total population. This indicates a notable, though minority, Buddhist presence on the continent.

According to the 2010 Pew Research Center data, what was the estimated Buddhist population in Japan, and what percentage of its total population did this represent?

The 2010 Pew Research Center data estimated that 45,820,000 people in Japan were Buddhist, which constituted 36.2% of the country's total population. This shows a significant portion of Japan's population follows Buddhism.

What was the estimated Buddhist population in Myanmar according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

The 2010 Pew Research Center data estimated the Buddhist population in Myanmar to be 38,410,000. This represented 87.9% of the country's population at that time.

What was the estimated Buddhist population in Sri Lanka according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

According to the 2010 Pew Research Center data, Sri Lanka had an estimated 14,450,000 Buddhists, making up 69.3% of its population. This highlights Buddhism's majority status in Sri Lanka.

What was the estimated Buddhist population in South Korea according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

The 2010 Pew Research Center data estimated that South Korea had 11,050,000 Buddhists, representing 22.9% of its population. This indicates a significant Buddhist community in South Korea.

What was the estimated Buddhist population in Malaysia according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

In 2010, Malaysia had an estimated 5,010,000 Buddhists, which constituted 19.8% of its population, according to the Pew Research Center data. This shows a substantial Buddhist minority in Malaysia.

What was the estimated Buddhist population in Vietnam according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

The 2010 Pew Research Center data estimated that Vietnam had 14,910,000 Buddhists, representing 14.9% of its population. This figure indicates a significant Buddhist presence in Vietnam.

What was the estimated Buddhist population in the United Kingdom according to the 2010 Pew Research Center data?

According to the 2010 Pew Research Center data, the United Kingdom had an estimated 240,000 Buddhists, which represented 0.4% of its population. This shows a small but present Buddhist community in the UK.

Buddhism By Country Wiki: The Global Dharma: Mapping Buddhist Adherence Worldwide

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Global Overview

Adherents Worldwide

As of recent estimates (circa 2020), Buddhism is practiced by approximately 320 million individuals globally, representing about 4.1% of the world's total population. This figure underscores its significance as a major world religion, with a profound historical and cultural impact across Asia and increasingly in Western nations.

State Religion Status

Buddhism holds the status of the state religion in four sovereign nations: Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. This designation reflects the deep integration of Buddhist principles and institutions within the governmental and cultural fabric of these countries.

Major Branches and Distribution

The practice of Buddhism is broadly categorized into major branches, each with distinct geographical centers and philosophical nuances:

Mahayana: The largest branch, followed by approximately 53% of Buddhists, predominantly in East Asia.
Theravada: The second-largest branch, adhered to by about 36% of Buddhists, primarily in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka.
Navayana: A smaller, modern school, notably followed in India.

These branches shape the diverse expressions of Buddhist practice observed globally.

Country-Specific Distribution

Pew Research Center Data (2010)

A comprehensive 2010 study by the Pew Research Center provides a detailed snapshot of Buddhist populations worldwide. This data highlights significant concentrations in Asia but also notes the presence of Buddhist communities across all major continents.

The Pew Research Center's 2010 data indicates a global Buddhist population of approximately 487.5 million, constituting 7.1% of the world's total population at that time. The Asia-Pacific region accounted for the vast majority, with over 481 million adherents.

Buddhist Population by Country (Pew Research Center, 2010)
Country/Territory	Population	% Buddhist	No. of Buddhists
China	1,341,340,000	18.2%	244,130,000
Thailand	69,120,000	93.2%	64,420,000
Japan	126,540,000	36.2%	45,820,000
Myanmar	47,960,000	89.9%	38,410,000
Vietnam	87,850,000	16.4%	14,380,000
Sri Lanka	20,860,000	69.3%	14,450,000
Cambodia	14,140,000	96.9%	13,690,000
South Korea	48,180,000	22.9%	11,050,000
India	1,224,610,000	0.8%	9,250,000
Malaysia	28,400,000	19.8%	5,010,000

Other Data Sources

Additional data from various sources, including national censuses and specific studies, offer further insights into Buddhist populations. These figures, while sometimes varying due to methodology and year of collection, generally corroborate the primary centers of Buddhist adherence.

Data from national censuses and specific studies provide supplementary figures. For instance, recent census data from Australia (2021) indicates 2.4% Buddhist adherence (615,800 individuals), while Singapore's 2020 census reported 31.1% (1,257,749 individuals). These figures highlight the dynamic nature of religious demographics.

Selected Buddhist Population Data (Various Sources)
Country/Territory	Population	% Buddhist	No. of Buddhists	Year
Australia	25,422,788	2.4%	615,800	2021
Singapore	4,044,210	31.1%	1,257,749	2020
Sri Lanka	20,359,439	70.2%	14,272,056	2011
Thailand	67,706,048	93.5%	63,299,193	2018

Regional Distribution

Continental Overview (2010)

The Pew Research Center's 2010 analysis categorizes Buddhist populations by major global regions, illustrating the geographical concentration of the faith.

Buddhism by Region (Pew Research Center, 2010)
Region	Estimated Total Population	Estimated Buddhist Population	%
Asia-Pacific	4,054,990,000	481,290,000	11.9%
North America	344,530,000	3,860,000	1.1%
Europe	742,550,000	1,330,000	0.2%
Middle East-North Africa	341,020,000	500,000	0.1%
Latin America-Caribbean	590,080,000	410,000	<0.1%
World Total	6,895,890,000	487,540,000	7.1%

Prominent Buddhist Populations

Top Ten Countries by Adherence (Pew 2010)

Examining the ten countries with the largest Buddhist populations reveals a significant concentration in East and Southeast Asia, reflecting the historical spread of the Dharma.

Top Ten Countries by Buddhist Population (Pew Research Center, 2010)
Country	Estimated Buddhist Population	% of Country Population	% of World Buddhist Population
China	244,130,000	18.2%	50.1%
Thailand	64,420,000	94.5%	13.2%
Japan	45,820,000	36.2%	9.4%
Myanmar	38,410,000	87.9%	7.9%
Vietnam	14,910,000	14.9%	2.9%
Sri Lanka	14,450,000	70.2%	3.0%
Cambodia	13,690,000	96.9%	2.8%
South Korea	11,050,000	22.9%	2.3%
India	9,250,000	0.8%	1.9%
Malaysia	5,010,000	19.8%	1.0%

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Buddhism by country Wikipedia page

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Important Considerations

Esteemed colleagues and students, this document has been meticulously compiled by an artificial intelligence, drawing exclusively from the provided source material. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to academic standards, the content is based on data available at a specific point in time and may not reflect the most current demographic shifts or scholarly interpretations.

This is not a substitute for primary research or expert consultation. The information presented herein is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement of any particular religious viewpoint or demographic claim. For definitive statistical data and nuanced understanding, consultation of original research papers, official census reports, and peer-reviewed academic journals is strongly advised.

The creators of this educational resource are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from the information provided. Users are encouraged to engage with the data critically and responsibly.

The Global Dharma

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Global Overview 🧘

👥 Adherents Worldwide

🏛️ State Religion Status

🌳 Major Branches and Distribution

Country-Specific Distribution 🗺️

📊 Pew Research Center Data (2010)

📈 Other Data Sources

Regional Distribution 🌍

🌏 Continental Overview (2010)

Prominent Buddhist Populations 🏆

⭐ Top Ten Countries by Adherence (Pew 2010)

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Global Overview

Adherents Worldwide

State Religion Status

Major Branches and Distribution

Country-Specific Distribution

Pew Research Center Data (2010)

Other Data Sources

Regional Distribution

Continental Overview (2010)

Prominent Buddhist Populations

Top Ten Countries by Adherence (Pew 2010)

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations